Despite being made from durable materials, concrete and asphalt driveways will not last forever—at least, not in any usable condition. After a few years of exposure and use, they will start to wear down, developing holes, cracks, and other surface defects, making them appear unsightly and creating trip hazards. If you want your driveway to last, it’s important to recognize the signs that it requires resurfacing. Then, you can keep using your driveway for many more years, without having to replace significant portions of it.

3 Signs Your Asphalt Driveway Needs Resurfacing

1. Pooling Water

While concrete is certainly strong, there is one force of nature that’s stronger: water. Given enough time, water can wear down any rocky surface. To counteract this natural process, many concrete or asphalt driveways are slightly sloped or have drainage ditches on either side for redirecting precipitation. If water is starting to pool up on your driveway anyway, your drainage solution isn’t working properly, and your driveway may need resurfacing to repair the damage and help redirect the flow of water.

2. Cracks

Both concrete and asphalt driveways can develop cracks for various reasons. There could be an issue with the base, for example, which is affecting the surface. Or, in concrete’s case, the cracks could have been caused by corrosive chemicals, such as oil or de-icing agents. Respond to cracks as soon as possible, especially before winter, so that the freeze-thaw cycle doesn’t have a chance to expand them. Resurfacing will be necessary if there are numerous cracks.

3. Potholes

If you ignore driveway cracks for too long, they will eventually develop into potholes, which can collect water and contribute further to your driveway’s deterioration or become a trip hazard. If your potholes get too deep, you may need to replace patches of your driveway; otherwise, resurfacing should take care of most shallow potholes.

If your concrete or asphalt driveway needs repair or resurfacing, get in touch with Billy S. Young's Blacktop Paving. Based out of Waynesboro, VA, they provide driveway repair and other paving services throughout the area, including Nelson, Augusta, and Rockbridge counties. For a free estimate, feel free to get in touch with them at (540) 949-0432. More information about their services is available online.